Sanctuary Advisory Council

members of the 2024 advisory council gathered together

The Sanctuary Advisory Council is an advisory body to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Originally established in 2000 as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council, the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the national marine sanctuary, inclusive of the reserve. Serving in a volunteer capacity, the council members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public.

The Sanctuary Advisory Council is composed of 15 voting members who represent a variety of interests, including: conservation, research, education, Native Hawaiian, recreational and commercial fishing and ocean-related tourism interests, as well as the state of Hawaiʻi and the community-at-large. In addition, 12 non-voting members represent federal agencies with a stake in sanctuary management. The Sanctuary Advisory Council also includes subcommittees and working groups focused on specific topics or tasks.

Get Involved

The Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council holds quarterly meetings that are open to the public. These meetings provide an open forum for community voices, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaborative decision-making that supports the sanctuary's long-term protection.

Stay connected by subscribing to our listserv below for updates on Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings, membership opportunities, and recruitment announcements.

To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.

E-mail address:

For more information about the Sanctuary Advisory Council, or to access meeting agendas and summaries, please contact Advisory Council Coordinator Sara Wood at Sara.Wood@noaa.gov.